Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Dogwood Media Solutions, LLC Location: Pike Road, Alabama, United States Job Type: OTHER Category: Creative Services / Marketing Operations Date Posted: August 19, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is integral to the creative output of Dogwood Media Solutions, focusing on visual content creation for marketing campaigns.
• The Graphic Designer will support the Marketing Operations function by producing high-quality design assets for both digital and print channels.
• Key responsibilities include translating client briefs into impactful visual designs and ensuring brand consistency across all client deliverables.
• The position requires strong proficiency in design software and an understanding of marketing campaign objectives to effectively support Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the listing is for a Graphic Designer, the context of a marketing agency and the need for designs supporting "campaigns" and "brand strategies" positions this role within the broader Marketing Operations and GTM ecosystem. The focus on digital and print campaigns suggests a need to understand how creative assets directly impact marketing performance and customer engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design compelling graphics for digital, social media, and print marketing campaigns under the guidance of the Creative Director.
• Collaborate with the Creative Director and cross-functional team members to develop cohesive and impactful visual solutions for client projects.
• Translate client briefs, feedback, and strategic objectives into effective visual designs that align with brand guidelines and campaign goals.
• Manage and prioritize multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project deadlines.
• Contribute creative ideas and concepts to long-term creative campaigns and overall brand strategy development for clients.
• Ensure all design outputs maintain a high standard of quality, consistency, and visual appeal across all platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed around core graphic design tasks but are directly tied to supporting marketing objectives and client campaigns, which is a key function within Marketing Operations. The emphasis on "cohesive designs," "brand strategies," and "campaigns" highlights the need for strategic visual thinking, not just execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field is typically preferred for roles requiring 2+ years of professional experience. Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a portfolio showcasing a range of design work for digital and print media.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for creating and editing visual assets.
• Proven ability to design consistently and creatively across various mediums, demonstrating a strong visual aesthetic.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated track record of meeting deadlines consistently.
• Strong communication skills, enabling clear and effective interaction with clients and internal team members.
• Adaptability and the ability to pivot quickly in response to changing project requirements or client feedback.
• Openness to constructive feedback and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• Organized, self-motivated, and highly detail-oriented in design execution and project management.
• Ability to think strategically and design for cohesive, impactful marketing campaigns.
• Professional demeanor, strong character, and a positive attitude conducive to a team environment.
• A clean, professional public-facing social media presence.
• Comfort and proficiency working in a collaborative, open team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics or video editing software (e.g., Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro).
• Familiarity with UI/UX design principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of current design trends and their application in marketing.
• Experience working within a marketing agency environment.
• Understanding of print production processes and digital asset optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Desired Qualities" and "Required Qualifications" strongly emphasize soft skills like communication, adaptability, collaboration, and strategic thinking, which are critical for operations roles that interface with various stakeholders. The "clean, professional public-facing social media presence" requirement is unusual but speaks to a company culture that values brand representation at all levels.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design work, with a clear emphasis on marketing collateral.
• Showcase a variety of design projects including branding, digital ads, social media graphics, print materials, and campaign-specific assets.
• Highlight projects that demonstrate strategic thinking, translating client objectives into effective visual solutions.
• Include examples of how designs were adapted based on feedback or evolving project needs.
• Ensure the portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly presents the designer's capabilities and range of style.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly requested, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial brief interpretation and concept development to final asset delivery and revisions.
• Be ready to articulate how they manage project workflows, prioritize tasks, and ensure quality control for design deliverables.
• Candidates may be asked to discuss how they integrate feedback into their design process and collaborate with team members on projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role supporting operations, the portfolio is the primary "process and systems" demonstration. It needs to show not just aesthetic output but the designer's ability to follow a process, manage projects, and deliver results aligned with business objectives. The absence of explicit "systems" requirements suggests the focus is on creative tools rather than complex CRM or marketing automation platforms.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the 2+ years of experience requirement, the location in Pike Road, Alabama, and industry standards for Graphic Designers, a competitive salary range would likely be between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Alabama and the specific benefits offered.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: 100% employer-paid coverage through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama for employees, a significant benefit that reduces out-of-pocket costs for essential healthcare.
• 401(k) with Company Match: A retirement savings plan that includes a company match, providing a financial incentive for long-term savings. The "safe harbor match" typically means the company contributes a fixed percentage regardless of employee participation, ensuring immediate benefit.
• Group Life Insurance: A $75,000 company-paid group life insurance policy, offering financial security for the employee's beneficiaries.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 120 hours of PTO annually, with an initial award of 30 hours after 90 days, and continuous accrual thereafter. This provides a solid allocation for vacation, personal days, and sick leave.

Working Hours: The role is expected to require approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position. Flexibility may be available, but the emphasis on meeting deadlines suggests a need for consistent availability during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is quite comprehensive, especially the 100% employer-paid health coverage and 401(k) match, which are strong indicators of a company that invests in its employees. The salary estimation is based on general market data for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in a lower cost-of-living state like Alabama.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing and Advertising Agency. Dogwood Media Solutions operates in a dynamic, client-focused industry where creativity, responsiveness, and strategic execution are paramount. Company Size: While not specified, the mention of a "creative team" and "other team members" suggests a small to medium-sized agency, likely fostering a close-knit and collaborative environment. The need for designers to work "independently and collaboratively" points to a culture that balances autonomy with teamwork. Founded: Not specified.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, working closely with them on client projects.
• Collaboration is expected with other members of the creative team, and potentially with account managers or strategists to ensure design aligns with client objectives.
• The agency structure likely encourages cross-functional communication to ensure cohesive campaign execution.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis: While not a primary focus for the designer, understanding how design impacts campaign performance (e.g., click-through rates, engagement) is beneficial.
• Workflow Planning: The role requires managing multiple projects, implying a need for organized workflow planning and prioritization to meet deadlines.
• Automation: Less relevant for a graphic design role itself, but the agency might use automation tools for project management or client communication.

Company Website: dogwoodmediasolutions.com (Inferred from domain_derived).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company operates within the marketing agency space, which typically means a fast-paced, client-driven environment. The emphasis on collaboration and adaptability suggests a culture that values teamwork and responsiveness to client needs and market changes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Graphic Designer. This role is positioned to contribute significantly to client projects and internal creative output, offering hands-on experience in a professional agency setting. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Creative Director, indicating a clear line of management and mentorship within the creative department. Operations Impact: The visual assets created by the Graphic Designer directly impact the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, client brand perception, and ultimately, client success and retention. Strong design contributes to revenue generation by enhancing client engagement and conversion rates.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to expand design skills, learn new software, and explore specialized design areas (e.g., branding, digital illustration, UI/UX).
• Project Leadership: As experience grows, there may be opportunities to take on lead design roles for specific client projects or campaigns.
• Creative Mentorship: Learning from the Creative Director and senior team members can foster professional development and career progression within the agency.
• Potential for Specialization: The designer might specialize in specific types of design or industries based on client needs and personal interests.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role, career growth is often tied to deepening expertise in design disciplines, taking on more complex projects, and potentially moving into leadership or specialized creative roles. The agency environment can offer diverse project exposure, aiding in skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description mentions a "collaborative, open team environment," suggesting a modern office setup that encourages interaction and teamwork. This likely includes shared workspaces, meeting areas, and potentially a less formal atmosphere than traditional corporate offices. Office Location(s): Pike Road, Alabama. This indicates an on-site role, requiring the designer to be physically present at the company's location.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration and efficient workflow, with team members working closely together.
• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Adobe Creative Suite on professional-grade hardware, is expected.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with the Creative Director and other team members for feedback, brainstorming, and project discussions.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is implied. While deadlines are critical, the agency environment might offer some flexibility in daily hours, provided project deliverables are met consistently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "open team environment" suggests a culture that values transparency and easy communication. For a designer, this means being comfortable with visual feedback and collaborative brainstorming sessions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and design capabilities.
• Portfolio Review & Skill Assessment: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. Candidates may be asked to present their work.
• Skills Test/Design Challenge: Potentially a practical exercise or design challenge to evaluate real-time design skills, creativity, and ability to work under a deadline.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with the Creative Director and potentially other team members to assess communication style, collaborative spirit, and alignment with the company culture.
• Final Interview: Possibly with senior leadership to discuss role expectations and career alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Relevant Work: Prioritize projects that align with the agency's client base and the role's responsibilities (digital, print, campaigns).
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your role, the design process, challenges faced, and the outcome or impact.
• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate how your designs addressed specific client objectives or campaign goals.
• Quality over Quantity: Present a curated selection of your best and most relevant work.
• Clarity and Professionalism: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and professionally presented (e.g., PDF or a clean website).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to create a design piece within a set timeframe, mimicking real-world agency demands.
• Focus on understanding the brief thoroughly, managing your time efficiently, and presenting your rationale clearly.
• Practice articulating your design choices and how they meet the project's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potentially a design challenge underscores the practical nature of this role. Candidates should be ready to "show, not just tell" their skills and demonstrate their design process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is explicitly required for creating and manipulating graphics.
• Other Design Software: Familiarity with other relevant design tools or platforms may be beneficial but not explicitly required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct requirement for the designer, understanding how design impacts analytics (e.g., conversion rates on digital ads, engagement on social media posts) can be a significant advantage.

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as requirements for this role. The focus is on creative execution rather than system management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is centered on core graphic design software. The role does not appear to require proficiency in CRM, marketing automation, or complex analytics platforms, distinguishing it from more operations-focused roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value likely centered around generating fresh, impactful design ideas.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together to achieve client goals and support team members.
• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs with high-quality design solutions.
• Adaptability & Responsiveness: The ability to adjust to changing project requirements and client feedback quickly.
• Professionalism & Integrity: Maintaining high standards in work, communication, and conduct.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and feedback exchange are encouraged within the team.
• Designers are expected to work closely with the Creative Director and other team members, contributing to a collective creative output.
• A proactive approach to sharing ideas and supporting colleagues is likely valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are typical for a creative agency, emphasizing collaboration, client satisfaction, and creative excellence. The "open team environment" suggests a culture where feedback is readily given and received.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling various client demands and deadlines can be challenging, requiring strong organizational and time management skills.
• Client Feedback & Revisions: Navigating client feedback, which can sometimes be subjective or contradictory, requires diplomacy and the ability to translate it into design improvements.
• Keeping Pace with Trends: The design landscape evolves rapidly; staying current with new software, techniques, and aesthetic trends is an ongoing challenge.
• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Designing effectively within brand guidelines, client briefs, and technical limitations requires creative problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and explore new design software or techniques.
• Industry Exposure: Working with diverse clients and projects provides exposure to various industries and design challenges.
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced Creative Directors and senior designers can accelerate professional growth.
• Portfolio Building: Each project contributes to building a stronger, more diverse professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to creative roles in agency settings. Growth is tied to skill development, project experience, and mentorship within the creative team.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design brief from concept to final delivery." (Focus on workflow, tools, and collaboration.)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Highlight adaptability and collaborative problem-solving.)
• "Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize?" (Demonstrate time management and organizational skills.)
• "How do you stay updated on current design trends and software?" (Showcase continuous learning and industry engagement.)
• "What is your experience with designing for different platforms (e.g., social media, print, web)?" (Illustrate versatility and platform-specific knowledge.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Dogwood Media Solutions and this specific role?" (Research the agency's client work and values.)
• "How do you see yourself contributing to a collaborative, open team environment?" (Align your working style with the described culture.)
• "How do you approach balancing creative freedom with client requirements?" (Show understanding of client-centric design.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or client.
• Narrative: For each piece, briefly explain the client's objective, your role, the design process, challenges, and the outcome.
• Visuals: Ensure high-quality images of your work. If possible, show mockups that demonstrate the design in its intended context.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects efficiently, focusing on the most relevant examples.
• Q&A: Anticipate questions about your choices, techniques, and how you'd approach future projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative skill but also professionalism, collaboration, and an understanding of how design supports business objectives. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dogwood Media Solutions careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio clearly showcases at least 2 years of professional graphic design experience, with a focus on marketing campaigns, digital assets, and print collateral relevant to an agency environment. Highlight projects that demonstrate strategic thinking and successful client collaboration.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight key skills such as proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, time management, communication, and adaptability. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased engagement by X% through social media graphics").
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, portfolio projects, and how you handle feedback. Be ready to articulate your creative approach and ability to work within a team.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Dogwood Media Solutions' client work, services, and any available information about their company culture and values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.